Spirit Airlines passengers were feeling anything but better after the company’s sudden shutdown on Saturday. But thanks to Papa John’s, arrested passengers have a reason to stay home… and ask for entry.
Loyalty members of the now-defunct airline are being offered a delicious consolation prize: free pizza. Friday Papa John’s Announce A new “Skies to Pies” promotion is a limited-time offer that helps Spirit Airlines customers redeem their loyalty points for something the brand says is more “reliable.”
The campaign comes a few days after the airline was closed, leading to a stampede of passengers at airports and causing widespread chaos. The pizza brand, which recently came under fire for promoting tipping on its boxes, appears to be headed toward more disruption, as it tries to offer frustrated customers a softer landing — one large pizza at a time.
“Loyalty points don’t mean much if you can’t use them,” said Shivram Vaideeswaran, senior vice president of brand marketing at Papa John’s. “Although we cannot fix canceled flights or lost membership points, we hope we can provide a smile and delicious pizza to those affected.”
To claim the offer, customers must message Papa John’s on Instagram, show that they are a Papa John’s Rewards member, and show that they are. Once approved, customers receive a redeemable code for their pie.
This trick exploits the growing trend of brands taking advantage of viral mishaps, public meltdowns, and corporate feuds to insert themselves into the conversation — often with giveaways.
Earlier this year, a handful of brands were quick to capitalize on the “KitKat heist,” which turned social media chaos into real-time marketing opportunities. Domino’s Pizza, along with KFC and other fast food chains, They posted their condolences With a tongue-in-cheek commentary. For businesses, these campaigns provide an opportunity to appear culturally engaged while driving sign-ups and loyalty in real time. In Papa John’s case, the promotion also serves as a recruiting tool for its rewards program.
Regarding loyalty points, this is also in line with a growing trend: Points programs have become a hot topic, especially as companies look for ways to restructure how their customers earn rewards. For travellers, loyalty points mean savings and upgrades when on holiday, something that budget and luxury airlines value equally. Airlines offer. This has become a particular pain point for British Airways.
Transport Minister Sean Duffy blamed Spirit’s collapse on rising fuel costs and policies under the previous administration, while thousands of passengers were left to deal with canceled itineraries and uncertainty surrounding refunds and reward points.
While Papa John’s can’t fix what’s wrong with plane travel, for everyone else, at least pizza is still deliverable.